Announcing our 2015 Board of Directors

The New York City Association Of Hotel Concierges announces their 2015 Board Of Directors.

President

Ms. Loida DiazConcierge – The Trump International Hotel and Tower

Loida Diaz, Concierge of the Trump International Hotel and Tower, and two-term President of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges (NYCAHC) has served on the organization’s Board of Directors since 2003, and was the recipient of the 2009 Concierge of the Year Award.

Ms. Diaz is passionate about developing the concierge community and its relationship with New York City at large. She explains, “As one of the pioneer members of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges, I take great pride in the progress we have made building this organization into one of the most respected civic organizations in New York City. The Concierges are the ambassadors for this great city, and we take great pride in giving back to the community through the Association”.

Ms. Diaz has been instrumental in the success of many of the Association’ initiatives for over a decade and has served in leadership positions including Social Director, Membership Director, Vice President, Public Relations and appointed President for two terms. She was an active participant in building the Association’s funding program through corporate membership. Under her presidency, the Association has reached its highest fund-raising goal for the organization and, as a result, the NYCAHC Crisis Fund was established to help its members and support several NYC-based charities.

“I give credit to my Board and the support of our members for achieving our goals within the past three years during my tenure as President,” Diaz states. “I am very fortunate to work with a dynamic and visionary Board of Directors that will undoubtedly bring the organization to a new level of professionalism and respect across the New York City community. I believe that the success of our organization depends on its Board members’ hard work and the seemingly never-ending dedication of our members. I sincerely thank every single one of them for their passion and support.”

Vice President

Ms.Strzelczyk-Flynn, of the Westin Grand Central, has served NYCAHC’s Board of Directors since 2010 and prior to her appointment to Vice President she held numerous leadership roles, including Treasurer, Social Director and Public Relations.

Ms. Strzelczyk-Flynn states, “I am excited about my new role and to work directly with a president with a wealth of experience. In addition, there have been a lot of exciting developments within our Association. NYCAHC’s Education component has grown tremendously and my goal is to continue to focus and revitalize the Educational Seminars that have proven to be a successful. The Educational Seminars are beneficial for anyone who works in the hospitality industry. We plan on organizing more seminars this year which will enlighten and inspire our members as well as enhance their professional growth.” I’d like to also give credit to our former Vice President, Mr. James Lamboglia, who helped in coordinating this successful initiative during his tenure as VP.”

As Vice President, Ms. Flynn will act as a Corporate Membership Liaison. Her focus is building strong relationships between NYCAHC and restaurants, tourist attractions, service providers, and other vendors. “During the last 12 months there has been an increased interest in Corporate Membership and my focus is to continue the momentum,” she explains. “This is also beneficial in creating stronger relationships with our vendors and business professional affiliates.”

Secretary

Mr. William HindsConcierge, The Pierre, A Taj Hotel

Mr. William Hinds appointed Secretary of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges.

Mr. Hinds is proud to be a member of Les Clefs d’Or, USA, the Forbes Five-Star, and AAA Five-Diamond team at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel. He has been a concierge for six years and formerly served as the Chef Concierge of the Smyth Hotel in Tribeca.

As the Secretary, he is excited to continue the momentum that the Association has experienced in recent years by enhancing our online presence. The NYCAHC website will be a major project this year and he would also like to concentrate on our social media program in order to expand the Association’s presence, visibility and impact.

Treasurer

Ms. Aisha ThomasChef Concierge, The Gramercy Park Hotel

Ms. Aisha Thomas appointed Treasurer of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges.

Ms. Thomas is the Chef Concierge of the Gramercy Park Hotel. Her career as a concierge spans 17 years, formerly serving at the W Union Square and the Doubletree Times Square. Aisha is a member of Les Clefs d’Or USA and serves on the Membership Committee. She has also recently served on the NYCAHC Membership Committee.

As the Treasurer, Ms. Thomas plans on developing a clear financial path for the organization to grow and contribute more to New York City and the Concierge community.

Public Relations

John JanuszChef Concierge, formerly of the Waldorf Astoria

Mr. John Janusz appointed Director of Public Relations of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges.

Mr. Janusz previously served on the Association’s Board of Directors as Membership Director during a year of strong growth. Formerly the Chef Concierge of the Waldorf Astoria and concierge of the Waldorf Towers, Janusz began his career as a concierge at the Setai in South Beach, Miami. He started his hotel career in the room service department at the age of 16 in Columbus, OH.

As the new Director of Public Relations, Mr. Janusz will cultivate and enhance the organization’s image in the public arena. “It’s important to utilize all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the reputation of our organization, ” states Janusz. He will continue to work closely with current organizations that help build understanding of NYCAHC and will conduct research to find out the concerns and expectations of our organization’s members and foster community relations through events such as Tree Planting, AIDS WALK, Soup Kitchen and other community initiatives.

Membership Director

Ms. Nicole LongchampConcierge, W New York Downtown

Ms. Nicole Longchamp appointed the Membership Director of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges.

Ms. Longchamp, Concierge at W Downtown Hotel, has been appointed the Membership Director of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges, January 21st, 2015. Nicole is a native New Yorker from the borough of Brooklyn.

Ms. Longchamp has previously served on the committees for the NYCAHC Membership and the Concierge Choice Awards. “I’m committed to successfully fulfilling this position with new ideas to enhance our association that will help develop our future craftsmanship, “she states. “I’m looking forward to developing new goals for a prosperous concierge association and enhancing our membership by publicizing our Association to more hotel concierges and general managers in New York City. It is an honor to represent the Association with the utmost pride and admiration.”

Social Director

Mr. Celso MoreiraConcierge, The Waldorf Towers

Mr. Celso Moreira appointed the Social Director of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges.

Mr. Moreira has been a concierge at the Waldorf Towers since 2009 and is a proud member of Les Clefs d’Or USA. In his 17- year career as a NYC concierge he has formerly served at the Four Seasons, the Pierre and the Paramount hotels. He is also a past recipient of the Association’s ‘Rising Star Award’.

As Social Director for the NYCAHC, Mr. Moreira will be responsible for developing and maintaining the social structure and events for our members. He also intends to bring new and vibrant ideas into the organization through networking in all NYCAHC sanctioned events. Through his new role as Social Director, Mr. Moreira plans to bring social events to its highest realm while helping to support the Association’s goals.

Past President / Advisor

Mr. Domenic AlfonzettiChef Concierge – formerly of the InterContinental New York Barclay

Mr. Alfonzetti, who serves as concierge of the St. Regis Hotel and was former Chef Concierge of the InterContinental New York Barclay, remains the Board of Director’s Advisor for the fourth consecutive year.

Mr. Alfonzetti is one of the most distinguished and experienced concierges in New York City. He first served on the Association’s Board in 1995, was a past Vice President of the Association and served as President from 2010-2012. He has been a hotel Chef Concierge for the past 25 years in New York City.

Mr. Alfonzetti is best known for his warm, engaging personality and his ability to communicate to his guests and colleagues the hidden secrets that make New York City the world’s top tourist destination. Mr. Alfonzetti is passionate about developing the concierge community and its relationship with New York City at large. He states, “As one of the pioneer members of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges and past President, I will continue to mentor my predecessors and help the Board of Directors take the Association to a new level of excellence through service.”

Mr. Alfonzetti’s vision has been outlined and carried on by the incumbent Board. He will continue to help improve several outreach programs and support the community with charitable giving. He has been a fundamental member and has brought us back to our core principles so elegantly outlined in our credo “In Service through Friendship.”